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All Reader Reviews of...

Vida

381 Van Duzer St., Staten Island, NY, 10304
at Beach St.
718-720-1501

Avg. Rating

7
Food: 7
Service: 6
Décor: 7
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

67% would go back.

 Write your own review

Superb choice

By anthonyandjessica on 10/7/2012

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

A friend & I went back to Vida this past week, and I'm eagerly anticipating going back with hubby. The decor is inviting-- but the BEST is the combo of excellent food and excellent service. The waitress was friendly but not overbearing and remembered us--and our beverage of choice-- as we walked thru the door. By the time we were seated with menus, she had our sangria on the table & poured. The food has been consistent-- fresh, seasonal, and perfectly seasoned. The specials are clearly noted as you enter the restaurant and are the first thing the wait staff tells you-- and they know them by heart without having to look at the menu. To the reviewer who had a poor experience my only question is: are you sure you went to this restaurant? My first dining experience was with their vegetarian bean dish, flautas, and a hearty white bean and kale soup. The second time, we had all appetizers and a caesar salad-- the best caesar salad I've had in a LONG time. The calamari was fresh, made on premises and came with a delicate minette sauce. The flautas were perfect, as always, and the mussels with Vida sauce were incredible. Overall-- the food is simple seasonal and some of the best SI has to offer. And observing how the other diners were treated, my friend and I received no special treatment. At Vida, you are made to feel like you're at home.

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5 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

just great

By wandering18 on 11/19/2011

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

I came upon Vida when I got lost on Staten Island. I know...hard to get lost on an Island. I did it and now I am happy. I wanted to try something new and found Vida. First impression are everlasting...the color's and art were captivating. It was a quite night with a few tables happily chatting back and forth. I am sure they would have shared their food if not for my constant stare. I order pulled pork and beer. My wait staff smiled as she brought me my food. I asked who was in the kitchen and was told it was Silva the owner. Silva was talking to the food! My mother used to sing to the soup and stew's so I began to feel at home. Food is the reminder of history, it tells stories and hold's meanings for decades. This place and this food, prepared by that women brought back memories with flavors and sounds. Now I have new memories...sorry mom.

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14 out of 22 people found this review helpful.

so disappointed on so many levels

By cinderella618 on 10/28/2011

  • Overall Rating: 2
  • Food: 3
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 4
  • No, I would not go back!

My husband and I went here for our 25th anniversary. I just can't get the disappointing experience out of my head! It was early on a weeknight, there was only another table of diners there at the time. The waitress seemed exasperated, annoyed and flustered. She didn't know about the specials & We had to inquire about the prixe fixe meal..She fumbled around for our beers, clashing bottles and when she opened them poured the beer all at once into the glass..My $9 bottle of oatmeal stout had 2 inches of beer and 6 inches of foam. my husband had a 12 oz beer served in a 16 oz glass. I was embarrassed and uncomfortable for her. I heard her tell the other diners it was her first week. The other server, owner, chef whoever barked at her loudly throughout the night and we all could hear. Drinks took so long to arrive, the appetizer plates too long to be removed, same for dinner plates. Food was nothing special. My spanish pork stew had more chunks of fat than meat. Grape leaves and humus was good. The bus boy was attentive and I wanted to pass him a few extra bucks to make up for what the waitress didn't deserve. Look, I have never worked in a restaurant but as an occasional user of one, think about what peole want.She was no kid but a woman who apparently must not eat out. I can't wait to go out soon to erase this memory of what should have been a special night. I always prefer these small, unique places but made a SUPER POOR choice this time. Sticking to BESO or BAYOU instead!

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11 out of 25 people found this review helpful.

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